Attempting to hide the Kyusu-s' source and artisan behind cups on TeaChat is useless ... you guys are too curious and sharp!

Yes, they are Shimizu Ken Kyusu-s from Hojo. I felt I had to try the "magic" clay ... his word in this case. We often poke some fun at Hojo, but I have to believe he is endeavoring to do more with clays than just about anyone else. Smoke and mirrors, fact or fiction?

I am not able to draw concrete ... er clay conclusions yet, but the journey into Sado and Nosaka clays has been interesting and ... ummm ... fun so far.

I have stated previously (and purposely knowing I would receive these shortly) that I generally choose a kyusu based upon aesthetics, texture, size, shape ... with consideration given to the screen as well. Does it look great and appealing? And will it be functional as well?

I have never chosen a kyusu because it has x, y, or z clay.

For this "experiment," actually there were 4 chosen after careful consideration. I wanted to try a fairly broad range in this realm offered by Hojo.

Chip wrote:I have stated previously (and purposely knowing I would receive these shortly) that I generally choose a kyusu based upon aesthetics, texture, size, shape ... with consideration given to the screen as well. Does it look great and appealing? And will it be functional as well?

I have never chosen a kyusu because it has x, y, or z clay.

For this "experiment," actually there were 4 chosen after careful consideration. I wanted to try a fairly broad range in this realm offered by Hojo.

Chip that's one awesome collection of pots! Looks like you're gonna have be spending quite a bit of time breaking in each of those pots the duller red looking pot is the one with Namamigaki? Does it feel better in any sense?

Sado Nosaka Yellow Clay with "Namamigaki." 100 ml It seems the Namamigaki has for some reason subdude the intensity of the orange after firing color. I also do not see the "variegation streaking" that I see in the other two Nosaka Yellow clay Kyusu-s.

GARCH wrote:Chip that's one awesome collection of pots! Looks like you're gonna have be spending quite a bit of time breaking in each of those pots the duller red looking pot is the one with Namamigaki? Does it feel better in any sense?

Yes, the duller reddish orange one is with Namamigaki.

Already been breaking in the three 200 ml. The 100 ml Namamigaki is awaiting its maiden voyage.

Wow chip. That 200ml red one was the one I was eyeing....I think. Very nice shape on that pot.

What a set to receive in one go. Must have felt like X4 Christmases at once. They all look superb. Going to be a lot of fun breaking those in. Any initial thoughts on flavour through them yet? I found the red reduction clay very strong in the way it effect the brew.

Too early to say, but front runners so far are the two Nosaka 200 ml, the one you were looking at and the reduction Nosaka. The one you were looking at handles even fukamushi pretty well due to its taller profile.

That kyusu mimicking a temple bell costs around 6-700 USD. Maybe more. Toru does offer a stripped down version for something like 285 USD. Still not cheap albeit, but he has sold at least 2 of them over the last month or two.